National

Rain, Melting Snow Pose Flooding Concerns Across B.C. As Evacuations Lift

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 May, 2018 11:30 AM

Many people forced from their homes by flooding in southern British Columbia have been allowed to return, but officials say there are still areas of concern in many parts of the province.

Evacuation orders for about 171 addresses in Grand Forks were lifted Tuesday, with the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary saying the threat of flooding had decreased.

Residents of more than 500 properties across the province remained out of their home, and another 6,500 were on evacuation alert, warned that they may need to leave at a moment's notice.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen said drones were used to re-evaluate its evacuation alerts and orders. Residents would be allowed to return to their homes "as soon as the situation is appropriate," the regional district said.

Farmers and ranchers have been hit hard by the rising waters, said Agriculture Minister Lana Popham. Cows were removed from two dairy farms on an island in the Fraser River near Surrey, she said.

British Columbians give help when it's needed, and it's needed now. @RedCrossBC needs more donations to better help people on the ground who have been affected by #BCFlood.

We're matching donations, so you'll have double the impact if you donate now: https://t.co/vdYVBCfrvr
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) May 22, 2018

This business owner in downtown #GrandForks doesn’t mince words describing the support offered during #BCFloods2018. I’ve met some incredibly generous and committed people during my visit to flood impacted communities this weekend. #2018freshet #bcpoli @BC1 @CBCNews pic.twitter.com/WAbc4J4i5s
— Jennifer Rice (@JenniferRice6) May 21, 2018

"The flooding is taking a toll on farming and ranching families again," Popham said, adding many agriculture operations were also affected by last summer's historic wildfire season.

Temperatures have been unseasonably high across much of the province in recent weeks, melting snow faster than waterways can cope with it, said David Campbell of the River Forecast Centre.

"We, not surprisingly, have seen ongoing, dramatic, rapid snowmelt across the province over the last few weeks," he said.

Enough snow has melted to reduce the risk for many areas that have seen significant flooding, Campbell said, but large melting snowpacks could still overwhelm the Thompson and Fraser rivers, and waterways in the Kootenay region.

A huge thank you to everyone spending their long weekend laying sandbags, working at emergency response centres, and helping people in need. Your time, energy, and selflessness are greatly appreciated. #BCflood
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) May 19, 2018

Looking to help those affected by the #BCFlood? We'll be matching funds for donations to the @RedCrossBC between May 16 and July 31.

For more information: https://t.co/0ApgL2TNi5 pic.twitter.com/yPou4z00gl
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) May 19, 2018

Severe rainfall is also a concern, he added, because June is known to bring wet weather across the province.

"It's difficult, really, to kind of stand down from the seasonal risk until we're well past those weather risks," he said.

Chris Duffy of Emergency Management BC said there are still about 300 Canadian Forces personnel and about 380 wildfire crews helping with the flood response.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Manitoba May Help Man After All With $118K Medical Bill: Health Minister

Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen says he is hoping to directly address the issue with Robin Milne, who lives in Sprague near the U.S. border.

Manitoba May Help Man After All With $118K Medical Bill: Health Minister

U.S. Students Affected By Trump's Travel Ban Look To Canadian Universities

Mahdi Ebrahimi Kahou says he watched his dream of completing his degree at one of the top universities in his field of study evaporate with a stroke of U.S. president Donald Trump's pen.

U.S. Students Affected By Trump's Travel Ban Look To Canadian Universities

High Risk Sex Offender Michael Wayne Carpenter Arrested In Vancouver

High-risk sex offender Michael Wayne Carpenter, the subject of a recent public warning, has been arrested.

High Risk Sex Offender Michael Wayne Carpenter Arrested In Vancouver

Winnipeg Police Look Up, Way Up, To Catch Suspected Fleeing Auto Thief

WINNIPEG — A suspected car thief in Winnipeg is facing charges after he went to great heights to avoid the long arm of the law.

Winnipeg Police Look Up, Way Up, To Catch Suspected Fleeing Auto Thief

Quebec Man Latest Since Mosque Attack To Face Charge Of Inciting Hatred Online

Quebec City police say they've arrested a 20-year-old man for allegedly inciting hatred online.

Quebec Man Latest Since Mosque Attack To Face Charge Of Inciting Hatred Online

Man Charged With Stealing 'roll Up The Rim To Win' Tim Hortons Cups: Police

Police in eastern Ontario say one person has been charged and they're looking for a second suspect in connection with the theft of Tim Hortons "roll up the rim to win" cups.